Ayodele pledges transparency, welfare, unity and capacity building ahead of Oct. 10 election
By Umar Bello
Wole Ayodele of THISDAY Newspaper has declared his intention to contest for chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, in the council’s Oct. 10 election.
Ayodele, who is campaigning on transparency, accountability, unity and members’ welfare, said he would work to build a more inclusive and forward-looking union if elected.
His campaign council announced his candidacy in a statement jointly signed by its Director-General, Sanee Yarima, and Deputy Director-General, Linda Gwana.
The campaign council said Ayodele would prioritise transparency in the management of union affairs, improve members’ welfare and strengthen cooperation among journalists across the state’s chapels.
It said his plans also include professional training through workshops and in-house programmes, scholarship opportunities and new revenue-generating initiatives to strengthen the council’s finances.
The council said Ayodele’s more than two decades in journalism, including experience across print, broadcast and online media, had prepared him to lead the union as journalists face economic and professional challenges.
His proposed agenda also includes stronger engagement with government and development partners, insurance coverage for members and improvements to the council’s press centre, according to the statement.
The campaign council urged NUJ members across Taraba to support Ayodele, saying his administration would build on the work of previous executives led by incumbent chairman Mathew Eliud Jen while introducing new initiatives.
It also called on members to avoid discrimination and sentiment and elect leaders based on credibility and competence.
The Taraba NUJ council election is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2026.